Famous wordsmiths discuss their favourite art

A series of famous writers will discuss their favourite works of art at one of London's most intimate art galleries from next month.

The Courtauld Gallery will host Picture This, which will see six writers join Somerset artist in residence Ruth Padel to discuss their most-loved painting in the gallery.

Ms Padel said: "I wanted to hear other writers, people whose professional life depends on listening to their own imagination, responding to these paintings. Not in art historical ways but personally and imaginatively.

"I wondered if discovering how one painting matters to one person might shed interesting light on what a great art gallery is for. What does a painting do to us? Where can it take us?"

On November 20th Philip Pullman, author of the popular His Dark Materials series, will open the event with a talk on Manet's famous A Bar at the Folies-Bergère.

Among the other writers will be Hisham Matar, Colm Tobin and Gillian Beer, with the works under discussion featuring Cranach's Adam and Eve and Vanessa Bell's Conversation.

The Courtauld Gallery is located in one of the London's most cherished listed buildings, Somerset House, located just off the city's famous Strand thoroughfare.

Related articles

Follow The London Pass blog to learn about the latest news with attractions, sights and sightseeing events in the city. As well as useful tips, hints and advice for visitors to the city and how to make the most of your sightseeing time in London. We hope you enjoy…